At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at .As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.Job Function: Project/Program Management GroupJob Sub Function: R&D Project ManagementJob Category: ProfessionalAll Job Posting Locations: Beijing, China, Shanghai, ChinaJob Description:The Associate Director, APAC External Innovation, R&D Data Science is responsible for developing deep insight into the APAC AI/ML ecosystem and translating that insight into strategic intelligence and recommendations for JJIM R&D. The role focuses on ecosystem engagement, rigorous assessment, and decision support, translating external scientific and technological advances into actionable recommendations and partnership opportunitiesThe role requires strong “bilingual” fluency across computational and life sciences, combined with strategic judgment, operational rigor, and the ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders.This position will be based in the J&J office in Beijing or Shanghai, with regular engagement across the broader APAC ecosystem.SummaryTrack and interpret emerging AI/ML innovations, regulatory developments, and partnership activity across the APAC life sciences ecosystemEvaluate APAC AI/ML capabilities in the context of the global innovation landscape and JJIM’s existing internal and external capabilitiesProvide rigorous diligence, assessment, and decision support to external engagement opportunitiesSynthesize external insights into recommendations that inform JJIM’s AI/ML and external innovation strategy.Contribute to regional sourcing strategy as a member of JJIM's APAC Innovation CenterResponsibilities:Deliver structured landscape reports and technology assessments of external AI/ML capabilities in APAC relevant to JJIM R&D; contribute to JJIM’s AI/ML strategy by translating ecosystem insights into actionable recommendationsAttend industry conferences, local ecosystem events, and cross-functional in-person meetings (~25% travel)Lead and support scientific, technical, and business diligence for potential partnerships, producing clear, decision‑ready diligence briefs.Drive the development and execution of strategic partnerships in collaboration with internal SMEs, transaction teams, and therapeutic area stakeholders.Collaborate closely with External Scientific Innovation team as a member of APAC Innovation CenterRequirementsPhD in Computer Science, AI/ML, Physics, Mathematics, Computational Biology, Biology, or a related discipline.Experience in roles requiring rigorous external technology assessment, strategic analysis, or ecosystem evaluation (e.g., external innovation, venture, strategy, consulting, or equivalent industry roles)Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical R&D value chain and the application of AI/ML across its stages.Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate AI/ML technologies with sufficient technical depth to assess scientific validity, data requirements, model approaches, and deployment considerations.Strong strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate technical assessments into actionable recommendationsExperience working effectively in cross‑functional, matrixed environments and influencing without direct authority.Strong familiarity with the APAC AI/ML ecosystem, including academia, startups, industry, investors, and relevant policy or regulatory context preferredEstablished regional professional network that supports ongoing ecosystem engagement preferredRequired Skills:Preferred Skills: Alliance Formation, Business Planning, Developing Partnerships, Market Expansion, Market Research, Mentorship, Organizing, Program Management, Relationship Building, Sales Enablement, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Change, Strategic Sales Planning, Strategic Thinking, SWOT Analysis, Technical Credibility
